LATEST THAMES NEWS. (FROM A CORRESPONDENT.)

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVI, Issue 3888, 7 February 1870, Page 4

LATEST THAMES NEWS. ( FROM A CORRESPONDENT.)

A large business is transacted in peaches by bhe Maoris' canoes come from all parts heavily laden, and the Shortland wharf is quite a market-place. ' There seem to be more natives knocking about the streets now than ever there were before: infact Shortland seems to contain more Maoris than white men. The peach-dealers, and those interested at the Native Lands Court, which is held daily at the Volunteer Hall, will probably account for the great increase. Yesterday I took a trip up the Piako river. What flax land I saw was looking remarkably well, but there are no machines there, and I could not find out if the land was leased. From what information I could gather there are many thousands of acres of flax land lying idle. It may interest the Auckland shooting gentlemen to know that the ducks are very plentiful and extremely wild ; it is almost impossible for a boat to get within range. The water race coming from Tararu to Grahamstown is gradually getting on ; the race is about two feet *» ide and one foot deep, and has now reached Punga Flat, and will be brought down the Moauataiari into Grahamstown. It will be a great blessing to everyone, especially to those who are compelled to live in Grahamstown, for the water here is really abominable The new buildings for the banks in Albertsti eet are fast getting finished. The Bank of New South Wales is ready for business now ; the inside is very nicely fit bed up with polished kauri counter, desks, <fee. The others will not be far behind, and a v/eek will in all probability find them transacting business in the aew premises.